§ 21. Mr. Ridleyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the size of beef production in 1975 and 1976 as compared with the current year.
§ Mr. BishopA precise forecast of the level of future production is not possible, but my present estimate is that adequate supplies will be available throughout 1975 and into 1976. As an indicator of the future production potential in England and Wales, the September 1974 sample livestock inquiry shows that during that month the total cattle breeding herd was 1 per cent. higher than a year earlier.
§ 46. Sir A. Meyerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he can give an estimate of the sums of money which have been lost by beef producers in the United Kingdom because of his refusal to accept the european common agricultural policy of intervention since March 1974.
§ Mr. BishopNo such estimate is feasible since it is not possible to assess what would have been the level of market prices if full-scale intervention had been in operation.
§ 48. Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by what percentage the costs of beef production have increased since 17th July 1974.
§ Mr. BishopNo meaningful assessment can be made since movements in 545W the costs of beef production vary widely according to the systems and conditions of production of individual farmers.
§ 63. Mr. Alisonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what date he expects to introduce measures to support beef production in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. PeartI would refer the hon. Member to my statement to the House on 21st November.—[Vol. 881, c. 1535.]